Two Islands Bliss – Koh Samui & Koh Phangan, Thailand

Why do one Thailand island when two islands are possible?! Here is some travel inspiration for those longing to book your next holiday in Thailand.

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas 

I reckon Anantara is onto such a winner with their two-island package. Transferring from the Anantara Bophut to Koh Samui was simple. Breakfast in Koh Samui, lunch in Koh Phangan. This is the life!

Rocking up to Anantara Rasananda, I was immediately struck by several things: 

• Island lifestyle
• Peace 
• Seclusion

This is my dream Island resort

ISLAND LIFE

Tranquillity is not perhaps what you imagine when considering a Koh Phangan holiday. It is, after all, renowned the world over as backpacker heaven, Full Moon parties, Half Moon parties, Black Moon parties, indeed any party, you name it.

Given this reputation, I have always thought it was the sort of destination where you need to be sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Well, at my age, anyway!

We enjoyed our first Koh Phangan trip in 2017. It was after a stream of university students “gappies” returned to our Bangkok apartment with all sorts of tales about their Koh Phangan experiences. We heard it all, from the “I bet you wouldn’t tell your Mother this” to their dreamy stories of idyllic island life.

Why should the young have all the fun?

Koh Phangan

They persuaded us to go and see for ourselves the lush mountains, beautiful beaches, and azure waters. We know that outside the BIG parties, Koh Phangan is a sleepy island where you can experience the true meaning of the word escape.

During our last visit during the pandemic, it was as quiet as anyone can remember. They tell me the last full moon party was a mere gathering of 30-40 people, making it the perfect time to enjoy its delights. What’s more, Koh Phangan is another destination that desperately needs the support of Expats in Thailand.

Come take a wander with me, and I’ll show you around.

SPEEDBOAT ARRIVAL

Anantara will pick you up from Koh Samui International Airport or, like me, if you transfer from Anantara Bophut in North Samui, it’s a short car ride to the pier.

There is time for a quick welcome drink, a cold towel, and a temperature check before we leave our shoes in individual cloth bags on the pier. This is the start of the barefoot luxury of a Rasananda stay.

Note to self: Remember, smarter shoes are needed when collecting my perfectly lined-up scruffy beach shoes on arrival!

We board the speedboat and don our bright life jackets with the sticker ‘disinfected prior to use’. The beauty is in the detail with Anantara. I always find the hotels reassuringly efficient in everything they do. Water or a cool towel, anyone?

We arrived less than 40 minutes later, to be welcomed by General Manager Andrea and his team standing on the beach. We all paddled ashore with a massive grin on our faces. You know that smile when you are just relieved that the reality is EVEN better than the website? Bring it on, Anantara!

THE RESORT – a secret paradise hotel.

As we walk up the beach with the world’s softest sand beneath our feet, you can’t help to admire the pristine Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach, no wonder it is described as one of the best beaches in Thailand. Nestled in front of the towering coconut palms are the jaunty red umbrellas and red towels on the beach sun loungers.

A couple of kayaks and some paddleboards rest awaiting, tempting guests out into the calm waters.

CHECK-IN

We walk past the infinity swimming pool and The Bistro @The Beach into the open-air reception area. To the left is a bar with funky red cane chairs and a floor-to-ceiling wine wall backdrop. Yep! This will do very nicely!

It’s a modern Thai-style resort built of natural materials with an A+ for design flair!

OCEAN POOL SUITE

There are only 58 luxury suites and villas here, which I like. Call me fussy, but I love having a small number of guests with large resort grounds. Big tick; this is perfect!

Room 15 feels exclusive and secluded. Here, everyone gets their own spacious retreat with a private plunge pool. I’ve already met Pup, my Villa Host, who gave me an introductory tour and gave me his direct line number.

Perhaps this was a brave move. Nah, not at this hotel, where everything worked perfectly. I never called him once.

The room is ‘beachy understated’. I’m not sure the designer would be impressed with this description, but it all works. You immediately feel relaxed and at peace. The view is absolutely the main star of the show.

I admire the cute elephant towel art, and my eyes rest on the lamps modelled around traditional Thai fish traps. Others would be impressed by all the mod cons here, including the huge Apple TV, Netflix and the great WIFI. Not to mention the fabulous bathroom. Talk about a shower with a view! And I like the hairdryer, which says it has been sanitised for my protection. 

ROUND ISLAND TOUR

Here, there is no time to do nothing! I have an island to rediscover. The big question is …

Is there enough to do in Koh Phangan for a return visit with my husband? He who never likes to sit still for very long?

Five and a half hours later, after a Rasananda Island tour with Jae, in one of the Anantara cars, I declare the answer yes!

We’ve hiked to waterfalls, admired the tallest tree on the island, been to the scenic restaurants, art galleries, 360 Bar for sunset drinks, I lost count of the number of beautiful beaches we saw. We even stopped to say hello at Haad Rin Full Moon Beach. Sorry, but I was supposed to be at Glastonbury 2020. Just call me a sad, ageing, wannabe rock chick, but at least in 2020, I can say Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. I’ve been there, seen it, not done it, and I now have the T-shirt!

Jae tells me he’s picked up people at 3 am and returned them safely to Rasananda after their Full Moon experience. What a way to live! Gosh, last time I went to an all-night rave (haha only as a volunteer!) we camped out for 6 nights in a cow paddock, I so want to do this!

DINING

DINNER AND BEACH MOVIE

There is no time to shower, and I’ve not had any lunch, so I’m going to dinner at Bistro at the Beach. With its all-day dining, I sneak in grubby, sweaty and happy to get a beachfront table before the casually dressed for-dinner set arrives. It’s a front-row seat to watch the beach movie “Avengers: Endgame”.

The menu combines Thai and international dishes with plenty of Japanese influence. Chef Ruban explained that the sushi was from their previous Japanese restaurant and was a rare treat in Koh Phangan.

Later in the evening, a couple moves hand in hand from their dinner table to the beanbags in front of the screen and settles in. This space is so romantic, along with beach movies under the stars and the choice of private dinners on the beach for special moments.

BREAKFAST

The breakfast buffet was an extensive selection, including an array of Asian and international options with eggs à la carte. Check out my favourite, the chocolate and banana pancakes.

Take it from me: you will not be disappointed by the Rasananda food, which was excellent!

SPA AND WELLNESS

One of the highlights of my stay was my private dawn yoga practice on an open-air platform towering above the resort. You need to be fit to climb up there! Hugged by a rock, looking out to sea with the birds singing, this was the perfect moment of solitude, peace, and bliss to start my day.

The jungle spa was an incredible setting, with a series of treatment rooms and a steam room constructed on rocks on the hillside. I take a tour with M, who proudly shows me around. Sadly, there was no time for pampering on this visit.

THE VILLAGE

One aspect of Anantara Rasananda that I liked was its setting in a village community. So often, resorts are miles from anywhere. Here, you have the best of both worlds: the luxury of the resort with access to local culture, bars, restaurants, massages, and shops. Many places were closed, but there was enough open space for anyone who felt inclined to wander outside.

ANANTARA RASANANDA I CAN’T WAIT TO COME BACK!

I hope you have enjoyed wandering this wonderfully extravagant island getaway with me. Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan’s lush mountains, beautiful beaches, and azure waters make for a perfect getaway.

Before I leave, Khun Pik, the Front Office Manager, presents me with a coconut-shell name badge necklace worn by all the staff. ‘You are now like staff’, she says with a grin!

Don’t tempt me, Anantara Rasananda, I’m throwing you my CV for what is a perfect place to work!

Thank you!

I want to thank the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas and Minor Hotels for a much-needed and relaxing few days. It is thoroughly recommended. I will be back!

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas 

Website: www.anantara.com/en/rasananda-koh-phangan 

Little Wandering Wren stayed as a guest of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. This was her 40th Thailand staycation since February 2020. More can be found on Instagram and Twitter @littlewanderingwren